Smithton barbecue restaurant will close just shy of 2-year anniversary

Mr. BBQ's Rib Shack in Smithton

Kiwan Guyton, also known as Mr. BBQ, reflects on the “crazy” world of barbecue restaurant and catering that he manages while employed full-time as a St. Clair County, Illinois, Sheriff’s deputy. Mr. BBQ plans to open a second location in New Athen

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Kiwan Guyton, also known as Mr. BBQ, reflects on the “crazy” world of barbecue restaurant and catering that he manages while employed full-time as a St. Clair County, Illinois, Sheriff’s deputy. Mr. BBQ plans to open a second location in New Athen

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A barbecue restaurant in Smithton will serve its final meals Sunday, the owner announced Wednesday on Facebook.

Kiwan Guyton, owner of Mr. BBQ's Rib Shack, said he is forced to close the Smithton restaurant. The Mr. BBQ location in Waterloo and the catering business will remain open.

"Please understand this was not my choice," Guyton wrote on Facebook, saying the lease had been sold without his knowledge. The location would have been open two years in April.

Joe Schmitt, the owner of the lease, countered on Facebook that Guyton had not paid the $700 in rent since December and said it "was no secret" the business was for sale.

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